USA BMX announces plans to stay in Louisville; adds winter event

The 2012 USA BMX Nationals at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park.

Olympic gold medal BMX cyclist Maris Strombergs.

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - The Louisville Sports Commission and USA BMX announced Friday that the USA BMX Nationals, previously known as the Grand Nationals, will keep their wheels rolling in Louisville through at least 2014 while adding a separate winter event.

About 1,000 competitors from 40 states converged on E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park Friday to kick off the more than 20-year tradition of the Bluegrass Nationals BMX Bike Competitions. Louisville has been the event's home since the 1980s and it plans to extend its stay, according to USA BMX Chief Operating Officer John David.

"The Bluegrass Nationals, held here at Bluegrass BMX, one of our finest tracks, is going to be here for the next two years guaranteed," said David.

The announcement was met with applause including that from recent London gold medalist in BMX cycling, Maris Strombergs. David also announced that his organization is so happy working with the city of Louisville that it plans to add a second annual event, the USA BMX Derby City Nationals, to be held at Freedom Hall beginning in February 2013.

"The KEC (Kentucky Exposition Center) makes such an ideal setting for what we're planning to do," said David, "and that combined with the power of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and especially the success and support we get from the Louisville Sports Commission, it's a win, win all the way around."

The announcements are projected to bring nearly $9 million to Louisville.

The 2012 Bluegrass Nationals run from Friday August 31 through Sunday September 2.